Learn how to pack light, avoid bag fees and still have room for those must-have souvenirs.  Use our Ultimate Cruise Packing List to make sure you have everything you'll need for your cruise vacation. Be sure to read our Top 10 Packing Tips for a cruise.

-- Check out The Ultimate Cruise Packing List 

-- Women's Packing Check List

-- Men's Packing Check List

-- View The Leaving Home Checklist

-- Packing Tips For Cruises 

-- What To Know Before You FLY 

-- Woman Pack More Than Men, almost twice as much.

End of article

To ensure peace of mind while you are away, why not run over this last-minute checklist of things to do before you go?

 > Have the post office hold your mail.
 > Stop your newspaper delivery, or have a friend or neighbor

    take them in for you.
 > Leave copies of your passport, airline tickets, travelers checks

    and any credit cards you plan to use with a family member or

    trusted friend.
 > Distribute your ship communications cards to friends and

    relatives.
 > Place a card with your name and address inside your luggage,

    as well as on the outside.
 > Bring your travel and health insurance information and have it

    handy at all times.
 > Verify that your identification and travel tickets are in your

    carry-on bag and will be available at all times.

More Packing Tips For Cruises

-- Never pack anything in your luggage you couldn't stand losing forever.
-- Tape your name, address, phone and cell numbers inside your luggage.
-- Always carry your cruise and airline documents on you and not in your luggage or carry-on bag.
-- Stuff a small collapsible light weight bag or two into your suitcase. At the end of your cruise, use the bag for your laundry or those souvenirs' you bought.
-- Before your go, take a picture of your luggage inside and out. This will make them easier  to identify your belongings if they are lost.

-- Always ask your cruise agent about any specific clothing needs for your particular ship. Some ships have special requirements that may affect your packing plan.
-- Although you can purchase many items on ship or in cruise ports, you will often pay a heavy premium, and may not find exactly what you need. For example, film for your camera will cost significantly more once you leave home and you may not find the size or speed you require.
-- Try to pack clothing that is re-usable on the cruise. For example, a men's blazer may be used on a formal night if packaged with the proper shirt & tie. The same blazer can be used with an open-neck shirt or a less-formal shirt and tie for an informal night. A formal skirt can be mixed with different blouses and/or jackets for varying effects.
-- Formal nights are not necessarily extremely formal. Some passengers, who enjoy dressing up, will go all out with tuxedo's, long gowns, etc. On most seven-night cruises, this is not necessary. The majority of men wear a suit or blazer with white shirt and conservative tie on formal nights. Many women wear cocktail dresses, fancy dresses, or suits. It?s like getting dressed for a nice wedding.
Young boys can wear nice slacks with a shirt and a tie. The more expensive the ship, the more likely that formal wear will be worn.
-- Many ships have self-serve laundry and ironing facilities in addition to the available washing and/or dry cleaning. Sometimes it makes sense to do a load or two during the cruise rather than pack enough of everything for your entire trip.
-- It's quite possible to avoid getting dressed up during a cruise. How? Simply plan to eat your evening meal in the Lido restaurant during formal nights, or have room service that night. You can even have a snack and a nap at dinnertime, and enjoy the midnight buffet in casual attire. If you're interested in a totally casual cruise, ask your cruise agent how the line you've chosen handles casual evening meals. By the way, Lobster tails are commonly served on one of the formal nights. If that's important to you, ask your waiter which night the lobster will be served.
-- If you choose to travel with expensive jewelry, use the purser's safe when you're not wearing it. Although room safes are available on many ships, only valuables locked up in the purser's safe are covered under the ship's insurance (check you cruise contract, usually supplied with your cruise documents). Frankly, we'd recommend leaving your very expensive and/or priceless jewelry at home, or in your bank's safe deposit box.
-- If you're planning to buy t-shirts, hats, etc. on the ship or ports of call, why not wear them on your cruise? You'll cut down on the amount of clothing you'll bring, and you won?t need to plan for extra space on your trip home. If you under-packed (unlikely), you can purchase additional clothing during the cruise.
-- In the tropics, use light cotton clothing as often as possible. You'll be cooler and more comfortable.
-- Plan your carry-on load carefully. A larger carry-on bag (within airline carry-on requirements) is useful so that you can comfortably carry a change of clothing. Keep your carry-on bag safe when you're in the airport; never leave it unattended.
-- Carry all documents, medicines, essentials, and valuables with you in your carry-on. If your main article of luggage is lost or misplaced, can you exist with what you're carrying?
-- Do not plan to find space for a garment bag on an aircraft. Better to carefully pack your clothing in a suitcase than to jam it into an overhead compartment.
-- Instead of bringing full-size toiletries, like a full bottle of shampoo, save or purchase smaller plastic bottles and bring only what you need. Try sealing plastic bottles in zip-lock bags for added protection.
-- Zip-lock baggies, preferably the thicker freezer-type, are great for keeping things dry, especially when you go to the beach. You can stuff your credit cards, driver?s licenses, cash, etc. in them and keep them safe inside your bathing suit. We recommend double-bagging them and you won?t have any problems with leakage.
-- There are several reasons to bring your cell telephone with you on the cruise: 1) If you run into delays, you can call your cruise agent, airline, limo service, etc. without standing in line for a telephone; 2) You can use your telephone on the ship before it departs, and while it is still close to land; 3) You can make calls on the day you return. A cell phone is great for calling a cab or a ride from home, or making arrangements with friends who are already ashore; 4) Many ports have cellular service so that you can make calls directly without finding a phone booth. Cellular rates are usually much less than the ship's satellite rates. Some common cruising areas have surprisingly good coverage (The Bahamas, Bermuda, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Grand Cayman, to name a few), and if you have free roaming as a part of your service, the call might even be free; 5) You never know how a cell phone will help you in transit should an emergency arise. It gives someone else the ability to call you, which is sometimes invaluable.
-- Since many ships are installing e-mail and internet capabilities, you may wish to bring along a list of important e-mail addresses and web site URL's. Although this can get expensive, you might find it worthwhile, particularly if you keep close track of an investment portfolio or have important e-mail messages.
-- If you really depend on a hair dryer, plan to bring your own. Even if the ship provides them, you may not find them to be powerful enough to handle your needs, particularly if you have long or heavy hair.
-- A pair of personal communications devices (as kids, we used to call these walkie-talkies) is useful in keeping track of your traveling companions on the ship. As ships become larger, it becomes more difficult to keep track of one another. This is a perfect tool for young teenagers (check your batterysupply!). Some ships even offer them for rent during the cruise.
-- A few emergency items are useful, particularly the flash light. It's nice to know that you have an extra light for your room, and it could come in very handy should your ship develop some temporary generator malfunctions. You?ll also want to take a nightlight if you?re staying in an inside cabin.
-- For Alaska and Northern Europe: Replace shorts, t-shirts, and short-sleeve shirts with warmer counterparts. Although you may wish to have one set of warm-weather clothing for afternoon wear on a warm day, you'll be more comfortable with warmer clothing.
-- For Alaska: You can dress down just a bit. Jeans are acceptable/desirable for daytime wear. Bring rain wear, waterproof footwear, wool socks, a warm sweater, a wind-proof shell, warm gloves, and a stocking cap. Although you may not NEED this much if the weather is warmer, cold (low 50's), windy and rainy weather is not uncommon along the coast of Alaska.
-- For Northern Europe: Temperatures can be cool during the summer, particularly in the evenings. Baltic cruises tend to be dressier. A warm sweater and gloves might be useful, particularly in late August. Absolutely bring an umbrella!
-- For the Mediterranean: Summer temperatures are similar to the Caribbean. Spring/Fall are cooler and more formal. Winter Cruises in the Med can be very cool, although snow/ice are not likely.
-- For Bermuda: Weather is beautiful from May through October, although cruising to/from New York or Boston can be quite cool in early and late seasons. Bermuda is in the Gulf Stream, while New York and Boston aren't, so be prepared for a change in weather!
-- Most cruise lines do not permit you to carry alcohol on board due to customs regulations.

Transportation Safety Administration Links

Provided for reference only. Information is subject to change with out notice. You should check with your airline or the TSA for the latest up-to-the-moment rules, regulations and restrictions. visit www.tsa.gov

Don't Pack More Than You Need
Airlines have a weight limit ( around 50lbs per person, per bag ) so be frugal when you pack. Not only will it lighten your load, it will save you from significantly high extra bag fees.

Top 10 Cruise Packing Tips

Courtesy of Travel Direct and Royal Caribbean
Camera. Sunscreen. Swimsuit. Okay, now that we've got the basics out of the way, here are a few must-have cruise items that'll
help make your vacation more comfortable, enjoyable and memorable.

1. On the first day...
For the first day of your cruise, pack a small carry-on bag with your travel documents, a change of clothes, bathing suit, workout clothes, and any medications you may need. That way you don't have to wait for your checked bags to arrive in your stateroom.
2. Onboard attire...
Shorts, t-shirts, slacks, trousers, casual skirts, blouses and sundresses are all perfect during the day, whether indoors or out.
3. For lounging by the pool...

Pack two bathing suits (an extra suit in case the other is wet) and a pair of casual shoes (e.g., flip-flops, sandals, sneakers). You'll also need some casual shorts and a couple of t-shirts or a cover-up for getting to and from the pool areas.
4. Onboard fitness center...

If you're planning to visit our onboard fitness center, be sure to bring extra shorts, t-shirts and socks that you won't mind working out in - plus a pair of tennis or running shoes/sneakers.
5. Dinner attire...
Meals in the main dining room follow this schedule:

Suggested guidelines for these nights are:

Casual: Sport shirts and slacks for men, sundresses or pants for women

Smart Casual: Jackets and ties for men, dresses or pantsuits for women

Formal: Suits and ties or tuxedos for men, cocktail dresses for women

6. For fun... There are four very important types of books you'll want to consider packing:

Travel guides - to help you explore new destinations

Poolside pleasures - nothing beats a great read in the sun

Journal - keep an account of your adventure for sharing and reminiscing

Address book - send your friends a postcard to make them jealous

Binoculars are another often forgotten, yet indispensable travel item. Be sure to pack a pair for magnified excitement onboard and onshore.

7. Save space...
Be sure to leave some room in your luggage for all those souvenirs and mementos. Some space-saving ideas include:

Bring shirts and pants/skirts that mix and match, turning three outfits into five or six.

Wear your heaviest shoes during embarkation and disembarkation so you don't have to pack them.

Pack small items inside larger ones for efficiency.

Bring an additional empty bag for those acquired extras.

The number of smart casual and formal nights is at the ship's discretion.
Note: *Some 12-night European cruises may have 3 formal nights

For formal nights you'll need cocktail dresses for women, suits and ties - or tuxedos - for men. And for the smart casual nights bring dresses or pantsuit for women, jackets for men.

Remember, shorts, T-shirts, and bathing suits are not considered appropriate attire in the dining rooms at dinner. Casual dress dining is available nightly in the Windjammer Cafe. And be aware you'll also need smart casual attire for some of our specialty restaurants.

8. Onshore attire...
You'll need comfortable walking shoes, as well as a hat and sunscreen for protection from the sun.

If you are cruising to Northern Europe or Alaska, remember that nights on deck can be cool. Bring sweaters, jackets and long pants. And if you'll be touring any museums, cathedrals or churches, it's always wise to dress conservatively. You may also want to bring a raincoat, hiking shoes and a travel umbrella. And don't forget your swimsuit - it may be cool outside but it's always warm in our Solarium.

9. What Not To Pack
Weapons, illegal drugs, and other items that could interfere with the safe operation of the ship or the safe and secure environment of our guests and crew are prohibited. The United States Transportation Security Administration also recommends that you do not pack fragile or expensive items (such as jewelry) in checked luggage.
The following are examples of items that guests are not allowed to bring onboard. These and other similar items will be confiscated upon being found. Alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, flammable liquids, explosives, and dangerous chemicals will not be returned.
 

• Firearms & Ammunition, including realistic replicas.

• *Sharp Objects, including knives and scissors.

• Illegal Drugs & Substances

• Candles & Incense

• Coffee Makers, Clothes Irons, & Hot Plates

• Baseball Bats, Hockey Sticks, Cricket Bats, Bows & Arrows

• Skateboards & Surfboards

• Martial Arts Gear

• Self-Defense Gear, including handcuffs, pepper spray, night sticks.

• Flammable Liquids and Explosives, including lighter fluid and fireworks.

• HAM Radios

• Dangerous Chemicals, including bleach and paint.

• **Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Note:

*Personal grooming items such as safety razors are allowed. Scissors with blade length less than 4 inches are allowed.
** Alcoholic beverages that are purchased in ports-of-call or from shops onboard will be stored by the ship and delivered to you on the last day of the sailing. Alcoholic beverages seized on embarkation day will not be returned.

NOTICE: Information posted on this web site was accurate when published, but packing tips, rates, sailing dates, ports-of-call, discounts, special offers and amenities such as shipboard credit or cabin upgrades and all other aspects of any of the cruises listed at this web site can be changed by the cruise line or travel provider without notice.